Perfect for a busy weeknight, this healthy pasta bake recipe is sure to please

This healthy pasta bake recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. It is packed with vegetables and has a delicious taste that is sure to please.

Healthy pasta bake recipe

This healthy pasta bake recipe is the perfect easy weeknight meal. It’s packed with veggies, and can be easily customized to use whatever you have on hand. The best part? It only takes about 30 minutes to make, start to finish.

What You’ll Need

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil

2. 1/2 onion, diced

3. 2 cloves garlic, minced

4. 1 pound ground turkey

5. 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

6. 1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce

7. 1 tablespoon chili powder

8. 1 teaspoon cumin

9. 1 teaspoon salt

10. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

11. 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

12. 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

The Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta.

3. Cook the pasta according to package instructions for al dente.

4. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

5. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

6. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.

7. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the spinach.

8. Stir in the tomato sauce and sun-dried tomatoes and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

9. Give everything a good stir, then transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese

Toppings and Variations

There are endless possibilities when it comes to pasta bake toppings and variations. Get creative and add your favorite ingredients to the dish, or keep it simple with a tried-and-true classic combination.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

-Classic: mozzarella cheese, ground beef, tomato sauce

-Vegetarian: mushrooms, onions, peppers, tomato sauce

-Seafood: shrimp, crabmeat, scallops, white wine sauce

-Chicken: chicken breast, broccoli, Alfredo sauce

Why This Recipe Works

We kept the cheese in this dish to a minimum, using just enough for flavor and relying on sausage for most of the meaty goodness. To lighten things up a bit further, we used whole-wheat pasta. A super simple tomato sauce ties everything together. Be sure to buy Italian-style turkey sausage; links or patties can be substituted, but you will need to slice them before cooking.

Tips and Tricks

To make sure your pasta bake is as healthy as possible, be sure to choose a whole wheat or higher fiber pasta. Sometimes, these types of pasta can be a little pricier, but they’re worth it in the nutritional value they offer. Another tip is to go light on the cheese. A little bit goes a long way in terms of flavor, so you don’t need to go overboard. Finally, load up your pasta bake with veggies. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition, and it’ll also help to bulk up the dish so you’re satisfied after just a few bites.

Nutrition Information

One of the best things about this dish is that it is packed with nutrients. The whole wheat pasta provides complex carbs and fiber, while the tomatoes and spinach give you a good dose of vitamins A and C. The chicken adds protein, and the dish as a whole is relatively low in fat. You can feel good about serving this to your family, knowing that they are getting a well-rounded meal.

FAQs

Q: What makes this recipe healthy?

A: This recipe is healthy because it uses whole wheat pasta, lean ground beef, and a homemade tomato sauce.

Q: How long will this recipe take to make?

A: This recipe should take about 45 minutes to make.

Conclusion

This healthy pasta bake recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. It is quick and easy to make, and is packed with vegetables and lean protein. This dish is also very versatile, and can be easily customized to your liking.

About The Author

Jay Stallings

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